Detour to North Bend for North Pole Gift-Giving Ideas

North Bend State Park may be one of the most family-friendly places in West Virginia to visit. “We’re open year-round and try to create activities and overnight packages that are affordable,” said Kristi Steed. Steed coordinates meetings and creates many of the overnight packages that the state park in rural Ritchie County offers.

Some holiday travel and wintry getaway options at North Bend State Park include:

Cabin Escape

A “Cabin Escape” is a mid-week plan offered from November through March 31, 2013
North Bend State Park. The $130 package includes dinner at North Bend Restaurant and an overnight stay in a two-bedroom cabin for two people. The price includes taxes and gratuities. “It’s a nice one night away for folks that need a break but time only allows for a night out,” Steed said. The Cabin Escape is for Monday-Thursday nights. Some dates are not available due to event package availability.

“Get a Room”

The lodge package mirrors the same dates as the Cabin Escape offer but is available any night of the week. “Some weekends do require a two-night minimum, but not many,” Steed said. The rate is $95 and is inclusive of taxes and gratuities, accommodation at North Bend Lodge and dinner for two.

“Christmas in the Country”

Spend Christmas at North Bend State Park Lodge on Dec. 24 or 25 and feast on a Christmas buffet. The $99 cost includes overnight at North Bend Lodge and Christmas Day buffet for two. Taxes and gratuities are includes and for guests wanting to stay extra days, there is a 20 percent discount off the standard winter room rate. Christmas Day Buffet is offered from 11a.m. until 2 p.m. and includes prime rib and turkey, pecan crusted fish, baked ham, sides, salads and desserts. Drinks are included. The restaurant is open to the public and Christmas hours are 7a.m. until 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Voyage and Frontier

Although not offered in the wintery months, North Bend’s “Voyage Package” is popular and reservations begin early in the year as people plan ahead. The package is an overnight stay at North Bend Lodge and includes tickets to visit Blennerhassett Island: sternwheeler ride, museum visit, mansion tour and horse-drawn wagon ride for two. Like North Bend’s other packages, it is inclusive of taxes. Blennerhassett Island is in Parkersburg, W.Va., and less than an hour’s drive from North Bend. Known as one of the state park system’s History Traveler packages, North Bend also showcases Prickett’s Fork State Park near Fairmont, W.Va., with the Frontier Package. The Voyage and Frontier packages start at $99 and can vary depending upon reservation dates and additional nights.

For more information about North Bend State Park, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931. The Events/Deals tab includes complete information about special events specific to select weekends and packages that are offered throughout the year. Customers can use West Virginia State Park Gift Cards values to purchase packaged rates and events.